Silva, Marquinhos, Alves, Casemiro & Tite react to Messi Copa rants
Brazil players and manager have reacted to Lionel Messi Copa America rig claims. The Barcelona superstar accused the organizers of 2019 Copa America to have pre-planed the competition in favour of Tite’s side.
Lionel Messi bashed the orginizers after watching his side suffered a 2-0 defeat to Brazil in the semifinal. After receiving his marching orders for an unsportsmanlike behaviour in the third place clash against Chile he further bashed the officials and the organizers.
“What I said, happened. I didn’t go to the podium because we shouldn’t be part of the corruption and lack of respect,” Messi later said in an outburst, as quoted by journalist Roy Nemer.
“We were meant for more but they didn’t let us be in the final. The corruption and the refs didn’t allow the people to enjoy and football is ruined.
“The corruption and the referees didn’t allow us to be in the final. You have to say the truth.”
After securing a hard-fought 3-1 victory against Peru in the final, the Brazilians reacted to Lionel Messi’s claims by telling him to look within.
Thiago Silva: “Messi? Sometimes when you lose you try to take the weight off your own responsibility & blame others. It’s sad to hear. After a ridiculous performance by the referee did we [blame the organisation for giving it to Barca after 6-1 PSG]? We must respect history.”
Marquinhos: “It is frustrating to hear a player of Messi’s quality, a crack who is admired by all, say things like this. Officials also conceded many things in his favor with Barcelona & the national team but wasn’t talking about corruption then.”
Brazil manager Tite: “I considered Messi an alien, but he should have more respect, understand and accept defeat.”
Casemiro on Messi’s rant: “Those who have a mouth speak what they want, it’s not my turn to speak, it’s a delicate issue. It is not for me to say if the arbitration was done well or not, we all try to do the best and we must congratulate Peru for their #CopaAmerica run.”
Dani Alves on Messi saying the #CopaAmerica was fixed for Brazil: “I can only say that I do not agree with him, we have worked a lot to achieve this title, I can understand that he is upset, but I do not share with him that this is bought.”
